The alert came at 4:52 a.m. Friday. It's not the time very many people have televisions and radios on to get the latest reports from Doppler radar.

Although he acknowledges tornadoes in the region are rare, Calhoun County Emergency Services Director Bill Minikiewicz and others in his profession knew the warning that came from the National Weather Service in the predawn hours was not to be ignored.

This was not a watch — meaning conditions are right for formation of tornadoes. This was a warning — the highest-level alert that means a twister has been detected by radar or reported by weather observers.

This time, the "train" was on the way.

It cut a path in Calhoun County about 4 miles long and 150 yards wide, coming northwest from Orangeburg County to the northeast toward Sumter. It roughly paralled U.S. Highway 601.

People in the early hours were caught off-guard. A church, a number of homes and the Tri-County Electric Cooperative's headquarters were either destroyed or heavily damaged.

As Orangeburg County Emergency Service Director John Smith said: It's a miracle no one was killed or seriously injured.

In most instances, the alert system reaches more people. But do they know what to do in the event of a tornado?

n If you are in a house with a basement, get in the basement under some kind of sturdy protection, such as a heavy table or work bench. If that isn't available, you could cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. Avoid windows.

n In a house with no basement, a dormitory or an apartment, go to the lowest floor to a small center room such as a bathroom or closet. Get under a stairwell or go to an interior hallway with no windows and cover yourself with some sort of thick padding.

n If you're in an office building, hospital, nursing home or a skyscraper, go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building away from glass.

n If you are in a mobile home, get out! Even if your home is tied down, you are probably safer outside, even if the only alternative is to seek shelter out in the open. Most tornadoes can destroy even tied-down mobile homes. If a sturdy permanent building is within easy running distance, seek shelter there. Otherwise, lie flat on low ground away from your home and protect your head. If possible, use open ground away from trees and cars that can be blown onto you.

n If you are at school, follow the drill. Go to the interior hall or room in an orderly way as you are told. Crouch low, head down and protect the back of your head with your arms. Stay away from windows and large open rooms like gyms and auditoriums.

n If you are in a car or truck and a tornado is visible, you may be able to drive away from it by moving at right angles to the tornado's path. Otherwise, park the car as quickly and safely as possible out of traffic lanes. Get out and seek shelter in a sturdy building.

n If you are in open country, run to low ground away from any cars. Lie flat and face down, protecting the back of your head with your arms.

n If you are in the open outdoors, seek shelter in a sturdy building if possible. If not, lie flat and face down on low ground. Get as far away from trees and vehicles as possible.

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